SHEEP IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES
The imagery of sheep and wolves in Scripture provides a powerful metaphor for understanding the Christian experience in a world often hostile to faith. Drawing from both the Old and New Testaments, as well as Catholic tradition, we can gain valuable insights into how we are called to live as followers of Christ.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus presents himself as the Good Shepherd, saying, “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). This beautiful image emphasizes Christ’s sacrificial love and protection for his flock. As Christians, we understand that Jesus fulfills and surpasses the role of shepherd that God played for Israel in the Old Testament, as expressed in Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack” (Ps 23:1).
However, Jesus also warns his disciples about the dangers they will face: “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves” (Mt 10:16). This stark contrast between the innocence of sheep and the predatory nature of wolves highlights the vulnerability of Christians in a world that may oppose their faith. The prophet Ezekiel used similar imagery to criticize corrupt leaders, comparing them to “wolves tearing prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives to extort profit” (Ezek 22:27).
Despite these challenges, Jesus calls his followers to respond not with violence or retaliation, but with faith, wisdom, and perseverance. In the Sermon on the Mount, he teaches: “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Mt 5:11-12).
This teaching aligns with the Catholic understanding of martyrdom as a supreme witness to the truth of faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that martyrdom is “the supreme witness given to the truth of the faith: it means bearing witness even unto death” (CCC 2473). While not all Christians are called to literal martyrdom, all are called to bear witness to their faith, even in the face of opposition or persecution.
REFLECTION
As we reflect on these teachings, we can draw several important lessons for our lives as Christians in the modern world:
1. Trust in the Good Shepherd: Remember that Christ, our Good Shepherd, loves us and protects us. Even in times of difficulty or persecution, we can find comfort and strength in His care.
2. Be prepared for challenges: Jesus warned us that following Him would not always be easy. We should be prepared to face opposition or misunderstanding because of our faith.
3. Respond with love and wisdom: When faced with hostility, we are called to respond not with aggression, but with the love and wisdom that come from Christ. As Jesus instructed, “be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves” (Mt 10:16).
4. Find joy in persecution: While it may seem counterintuitive, Jesus teaches us to find joy even in persecution, knowing that our reward in heaven will be great.
5. Bear witness through our lives: Whether through words or actions, we are called to be witnesses to Christ in our daily lives. This witness may sometimes invite opposition, but it is also how we fulfill our mission as Christians.
6. Stand firm in faith: Like the martyrs throughout Church history, we are called to stand firm in our faith, even when it is difficult. This steadfastness is a powerful testimony to the truth and power of the Gospel.
7. Pray for those who persecute: Following Christ’s example on the cross, we should pray for those who oppose or persecute us, asking God to open their hearts to His love and truth.
In conclusion, while we may sometimes feel like sheep among wolves in today’s world, we can take comfort in knowing that we are under the care of the Good Shepherd. By remaining faithful to Christ’s teachings and responding to challenges with love and wisdom, we can be powerful witnesses to the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives and in the world around us.